Physics major with a math minor

[Jeff6851]

I am a physics major with a math minor. I only have to take two more math classes after this semester to finish my minor. I'd like to know which classes would be most beneficial for me.

I've taken:

Calc I
Calc II
Calc III
Diff Eq
Linear Algebra
Differential Geometry

Courses that I can take for my minor:

Intro to Analysis
Real Analysis I
Linear Algebra II
Partial Diff Eq
Intro to Complex Analysis
Numerical Analysis

I've been leaning toward Linear Algebra II and Partial Diff Eq. I don't want to be a theoretical physicist and I want to do either Astrophysics or optics.

 

[jbrussell93]

If it were me given your interests, then I would choose between Numerical Analysis, PDE, and Complex Analysis. Have you taken any programming? If not, then Numerical Analysis could be a good crash course on MATLAB, or whatever language is used. From what I understand, programming is a very important aspect of astrophysics research.

 

[Jeff6851]

If it were me given your interests, then I would choose between Numerical Analysis, PDE, and Complex Analysis. Have you taken any programming? If not, then Numerical Analysis could be a good crash course on MATLAB, or whatever language is used. From what I understand, programming is a very important aspect of astrophysics research.

I've only had an intro to Java class, never any MATLAB

 

[heatengine516]

I'd go with numerical analysis then. Not only is it relevant to astrophysics, but also computational biology, engineering, etc.

 

[Matrix0]

As a fellow scientist, I can say that your combination of a physics major and math minor is a great foundation for a career in either astrophysics or optics. Both fields heavily rely on mathematical principles, and having a strong understanding of math will greatly benefit your understanding and application of physics concepts.

In terms of which classes would be most beneficial for you, I would recommend Linear Algebra II and Partial Differential Equations. Linear Algebra II will build upon your knowledge from the first course and introduce more advanced topics such as vector spaces, eigenvalues, and diagonalization. These concepts are frequently used in both astrophysics and optics, especially in areas such as signal processing and data analysis.

Partial Differential Equations is also a valuable course for both fields. It will teach you how to solve differential equations with multiple independent variables, which is essential for understanding the behavior of systems in astrophysics and optics. Additionally, many advanced topics in these fields, such as wave optics and celestial mechanics, require a strong understanding of partial differential equations.

Of course, the other courses listed are also important and could be beneficial in different ways. For example, Intro to Complex Analysis is useful for understanding the behavior of complex systems in optics, while Numerical Analysis is crucial for performing simulations and data analysis in astrophysics.

Ultimately, the best courses for you will depend on your specific interests and career goals within astrophysics or optics. I would recommend discussing your options with your academic advisor or professors in these fields to get a better understanding of which courses would be most relevant for your chosen path. Overall, I believe that your choice of Linear Algebra II and Partial Differential Equations will provide a strong foundation for your future endeavors in either field.